Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25), NorthEast United FC announced the signing of young Indian forward Ankith Padmanabhan from Bengaluru FC.
The 22-year-old striker joins on a one-year deal with an option to extend for two additional years.
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Ankith made his name playing in the Karnataka side that won the prestigious Santosh Trophy in 2022-23. Ankith scored two vital goals (vs Maharashtra and vs Services in the semifinals) for the national championship-winning side.
“I am happy to join the NorthEast United FC. It was an easy decision for me to make as I knew our assistant coach Naushad Moosa beforehand. I feel this is the right club for me to develop as a player and I am confident that I can equally contribute to the club’s success,” said Ankith.
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“I am eagerly waiting for the season to start. The fans here are incredible, so I cannot wait to see them in the stadium,” he added.
“Ankith is a young, ambitious player with a lot of potential. He’s fast, technically sound and offers a lot going forward. We are happy to have him here,” said Juan Pedro Benali, head coach, NorthEast United FC.
“There is no doubt about Ankith’s talent and potential. At NorthEast United FC, he has the right environment to learn from the experienced players and coaches and be a top professional,” Mandar Tamhane, CEO, NorthEast United FC, said.
Ankith Padmanabhan Career
Born and brought up in Bengaluru, Ankith, son of former India international footballer – Padmanabhan – always wanted to be a footballer like his father. He joined Ozone FC – his first club at 9 and progressed quickly through the ranks.
In the BDFA Super Division League, he impressed with six goals in just eight games before joining Bengaluru FC in July 2022. In the 2023-24 season, he trained with the senior team of Bengaluru FC and played key games for its reserve team in their title-winning run to the Bengaluru Super Division League title. He also competed in the Reliance Foundation Development League, netting two goals in as many games. The young attacker was also the vice-captain of the Karnataka team for national championships last season.
